Outraged Heirok bids adieu to its departed kids
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 09: In an emotionally charged atmosphere, over 5000 people of Heirok turned up for the symbolic Shradha ceremony to bid farewell to its three children who were killed in a shooting incident at a Thabal Chongba venue on March 24.The three victims are Th Romesh, Th Promila and L Nirmala.

The already charged atmosphere received an extra dose when Ph Rebika, the 'lucky' survivor, now blind after a bullet damaged her eye sights, came on stage to narrate her story, correction, ordeal.

The 'lucky survivor' Rebika at the mass Heirok mourning

Speaking at the emotionally charged occasion organised at Heirok Part I Umang Leikon, leaders of the JAC constituted in connection with the incident expressed strong resentment against UG groups and the State Government for failing to safeguard human lives.

Apart from the people of Heirok and the adjoining areas, Ph Rebika who lost both her eyes in the incident and VIPs like MPCC president Gaikhagnam, local MLA M Oken, MLAs Govindas Konthoujam and L Nandakumar and Victor Keishing paid tributes to the departed souls.

When Rebika entered the hall escorted by two of her mates to take part in the ceremony, the crowd broke down with anguish and outrage.

When she was asked to express what she felt regarding the incident on the stage, Rebika requested all concerned not to repeat such instance in the future.

She also requested the Government to extend help in her treatment and provide a Government job so that she can live without depending on anyone.

Addressing the gathering, JAC vice president L Thamboi said that the JAC Heirok is fighting a lone battle as various social organisations of the State remain as just a mere onlooker regarding the incident.

He reminded that Heirok public never sat idle in every instance of mass agitations, be it Manorama case or June 18.He requested various UG groups not to level charges after killing anybody.

Thamboi appealed to make the faults public before giving him/her capital punishment.

Maintaining that no revolution will achieve its goal without the help of the public, Thamboi also requested UG groups not to hurt the sentiments of the people.

Thamboi suggested UG groups to gain the confidence of the public by delivering yeoman's service.

Reiterating the wish of the people of the State, Thamboi reminded that people want peace not war or killing.

Speaking on the occasion, JAC general secretary L Mandir said that JAC will decide regarding the future course agitation by convening a meeting with local clubs of Heirok within a few days.

He added that even though Government has posted an IRB post in Heirok, their vigil is not however satisfactory.

Informing that security is the main concern of the people of area, he also demanded to provide uninterrupted power supply until their demands of providing solar and street lamps are not met.

JAC president in his speech said that the objective of organising of the shradha ceremony in such a grand way is only to give a message that people stand together against the gun culture prevailing in the State.